Summary
In this episode of Star Talk, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice interview Janine Kip Kripner, a volcanologist from the Smithsonian Institution, about the importance of volcanoes in sustaining the balance of the planet. They discuss the number of active and potentially active volcanoes around the world and the equipment used by volcanologists to study them. The conversation covers various topics related to volcanoes and earth's magnetic field, including the red hot glow of magma and lava, dormant volcanoes, and the potential for devastating eruptions.
Kripner explains that the term "super volcano" refers to a volcano that can produce the largest style of eruptions, but notes that it is just a word and not a real thing. They also address the question of whether volcanic activity releases more greenhouse gases than human activity and conclude that humans release 40 to 100 times more carbon dioxide than volcanoes. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the evolving nature of volcanoes and the need to be prepared for potential disasters.
Kripner stresses the importance of studying volcanoes during their inactive periods in order to better understand their behavior and predict eruptions. She emphasizes the beauty and significance of volcanoes in our planet's ecosystem and stresses the importance of learning to coexist with them safely. The conversation ends with a positive message of hope and the possibility of future discussions on the topic. Overall, the conversation provides insight into the role of volcanoes in the natural carbon cycle and the importance of monitoring them for the safety of communities.
